Lando Norris shows true colours with reaction after Max Verstappen's shock Suzuka pole

Lando Norris has given credit where it is due to rival after the Dutchman denied him pole position for the . Norris and his team were favourites heading into qualifying but both he and were denied.

Verstappen has struggled with his difficult car so far this year but produced one of his very best qualifying laps to edge out both McLaren. As a result, he took his first pole since last June but will have and Piastri to contend with at turn one on Sunday.

Speaking after qualifying, Norris was clearly disappointed to have narrowly missed out on pole. But he said: "I'm happy. Congrats to Max. He did a good job, so it's a hats off.

"You've got to credit something when it's a lap that good that he must have done. But I'm happy, because I felt like I got everything out of the car today. So, it's tiny. Was there probably that much in it? Yes. But Max did an amazing lap."

Verstappen didn't only take pole but also smashed the Suzuka course record in the process. His pole lap time of 1:26.983 bettered the previous best ever lap around the Japanese track which was set by in 2019 when he was driving for .

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"We tried the best we could, I think, to get the best possible balance with the car, but it wasn't easy, even in qualifying," the delighted Dutchman said. "But every session, we just kept on making little improvements. I think that's where we made the difference.

"And then, yeah, the last time was just flat out. I mean, around here, being on the limit, or maybe even a bit over in places, is incredibly rewarding. It's insane. In a car around here, sector one especially is unbelievable. And now with the new tarmac as well, it just gives you even more grip around there. So to commit is even harder."

He admitted, though, that he may not have the confidence in his car or the race pace required to keep the McLarens behind him for too long in the race, adding: "This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here. But we will look to tomorrow. There might be some rain around, but we'll do our very best."

The result of qualifying sets up the mouth-watering prospect of a first on track duel between Verstappen and Norris in 2025. Up to now, the title rivals from last season have yet to battle in a race because of McLaren's performance superiority.

The weather could be a factor with rain forecast overnight heading into Sunday which could stick around for the start of the race if winds die down. But regardless of the conditions, championship leader Norris insists he is looking forward to testing himself against the man who beat him to the 2024 drivers' title.

He said: "That's the goal, but no-one knows what the weather is going to do tomorrow. It could be another race like . It will be an exciting race. We want to get past Max - he will put up a good fight but I've been there before so I'm excited for it."